It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a...! ...Is that a Gemini?

Time to spread your wings and fly, messengers of the zodiac! Soar to greater heights as you elevate by way of Retrogrades, Eclipses, and Nodal transits this season — the cosmic works.

Your ruling planet, Mercury, hasn't retrograded in the sign of Gemini since 2015. And now it's back with an ecliptic surge. This Gemini season will be unlike any other. From May 29 to a few days after the end of the season, Mercury will be retrograding in its home sign of Gemini. Don't expect this to feel like that quick pace we're used to this season, or you might trip up, be tongue-tied, or regret a little something you've said. We'll be seeing less activity and more introspection and reflection, especially when it comes to your self-expression, Geminis.

Plus it's Eclipse Season! Lunar on May 26th in Sagittarius. Solar on June 10th in your sign of Gemini. So not only will we be asked to slow down, but destined events can be speeding up this next month.

Can you imagine the idea of time and space oscillating inward and outward like an accordion? That's pretty much what we're going to experience this season as we enter this wonky time warp.

Best word of advice? Ride the waves! Coast through it all. Flow with life. Fighting the current will only result in a losing uphill battle. Be open to new perspectives, any new information that alters your own views for the better, and even observe old info being edited. Also known for your intellectually-stimulating behavior, keep those questions coming, and steer clear of assumptions.

Speaking of editing, be sure to do so! Edit your paper, your article, your blog. All the while during this inward period, don't torment yourself with overthought. Refinement is key with this coming Mercury retrograde but don't get lost in a perfectionistic loop.

Get outside, read, write, dance, sing, save time for deep and conscious breathwork, and practice any other form of meditation that resonates best with you. Clear your mind to make way for new realizations and more profound thought.

With the North Node of the Moon in your sign this year (this only happens every 18-19 years!), you can feel propelled to truly embrace your solar force, your gusto, and what lights you up and fuels you. Feeling more free in expression and experiencing a cosmic type of push towards what you excel in. Now is the time to shine brightly, boldly, and courageously, to harness your wisdom, to reconnect with your voice, and to let yourself be seen, heard, and celebrated for who you are. Be sure to enjoy this revival of spirit, Gems!

Now a little reminder during every Mercury retrograde — before you think about letting an ex back into your life, maybe because "they were so astrologically-compatible" yet realistically incompatible for more reasons than one —

Did you know that any sign can be compatible with any sign?

Especially with such an adaptable and mutable nature like yours, Geminis. You have the wit and charm to get along with anyone. The only difference between each sign you merge with is the various dynamics.

To explain: when looking at a relationship composite chart, Gemini and Aries for example create a combined Taurus Sun. A very natural, chill, steady, and secure relationship.

Gemini and Libra Suns make a combined Leo Sun! Imagine that? Don't these two just shine brightly as a pair? Full of life, expression, romance, and exuberance.

Basically and generally speaking, Air can get along very well and harmoniously with other Air and Fire signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, and Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), but don't let this cancel out your Earth and Water potential matches (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, and Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).

Beyond our Sun signs, the WHOLE chart is significant for compatibility. The Sun is just how we express ourselves, how we shine, and how feel enlivened.

Yet the Moon is how we actually feel. Venus in our charts is how we love and connect with others. Mars is how we act — that passionate and fiery spark within us. And Mercury shows how we communicate (an essential part of any relationship — especially for Geminis because Mercury is their astrological ruler!) ...Was that mentioned several times already? Let's move on!

Compatibility is actually incredibly intricate and complex.

If you feel a Libra Moon is your best match, you might realize later, unbeknownst to you at the time, the love of your life has "a Moon in the 7th house" of their chart wheel, or has "a Moon conjunct Venus aspect" in their chart, which are actually both similar energies to a Libra Moon! But a totally different individual and chart altogether.

We also have the free will to embrace the highest or lowest expressions of our chart placements. So you can be incompatible with an immature version of your most textbook-compatible date. A quick example of the two sides of a Gemini coin: witty, sharp, astute, and conversational, or overly-chatty, gossipy, and scatterbrained. The higher or lower expressions are truly your gift of choice, so choose what feels most nourishing for your soul!

Because of this versatility, here's another reminder to not overthink it in a relationship. If you feel a close connection, an electric spark, a stimulating mental connection, go for it! Forget the basic astrological compatibility and trust that — due to your attraction for one another — you are compatible, and that it is found in your charts in some form:

• You can be a Gemini with a Taurus Venus and your partner can be a Taurus with a Gemini Venus — sometimes the compatibility is just that simple (even if the Suns aren't textbook-compatible).
• Or you can be a Gemini with a Virgo Moon and a Cancer Venus, with your partner being a Scorpio with an Aquarius Moon and a Capricorn Venus. The compatibility might not be obvious when it comes to meme-astrology, but it's there: Air Sun to Air Moon, Earth Moon to Earth Venus, Water Venus to Water Sun. Opposite Venuses creating a wholeness and full spectrum of love and connection. Plus the combination of each placement further shows the great unity between both individuals.

So don't stress about your partner's sign! There so much more to all of us, and we didn't even get into the layer of the astrological houses with this example. If that Gemini Sun is in the 8th house, you're looking at quite the Scorpionic Gemini. Scorpio Sun in the 3rd house? We've got a Gem-like Scorp.

If you're interested in the mathematical compatibility between your stars, get ready to go deep and accept one another for who you are — you might be surprised with how much you have in common and with how much more depth you can bring into one another's lives.

The only thing relationship astrology should do is strengthen your connection through better understanding of one another. Astrology is never make it or break it, but (if it's in your desire) you can always find an excuse to end a relationship that's on its way out or seemingly about to fizzle (if it's one of those break-ups where you never get closure, astrology can help bring peace of mind through some objective analysis and observation).

Trust the vibes you have with each other. That's all it is. Planetary energetic influences that magnetize us towards one another.

So if you're a Gemini falling for a Capricorn, don't end the relationship once you find out their birthday because you heard someone say they're incompatible. And don't date someone out of sheer boredom unless you can both establish it won't be long-lasting and mutually decide you want a bit of a serious yet short-lived union. Be responsible with your wanderings, musings, and curiosities. And if you're interested in the cosmic part of the connection, learn more about why you do feel drawn to one another. Let it strengthen the tie and empower your relationship.

Now let's traverse through the zodiac wheel to show that you really can match well with anyone. Here are some known Geminis and their committed beaus/belles:

• Emily Ratajkowski & Sebastian Bear-McClard (Aries)
• Anna Kournikova & Enrique Iglesias (Taurus)
• Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka (Gemini)
• Rafael Nadal & Maria Francisca Perello (Cancer)
• John F. Kennedy & Jackie Kennedy (Leo)
• Joan Rivers & Edgar Rosenburg (Virgo)
• Kanye West & Kim Kardashian (Libra)
• Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban (Scorpio)
• Chris Pratt & Katherine Schwarzenegger (Sagittarius)
• Bar Rafaeli & Adi Ezra (Capricorn)
• Macklemore & Tricia Davis (Aquarius)
• Zoe Saldana & Marco Perego Saldana (Pisces)

On to your Rising Sign horoscopes, Geminis

But first! Did you know that Mercury in your chart — the ruler of your Gemini Sun — can only be in 1 of 3 signs? You can have either a Taurus, Gemini, or Cancer Mercury in charge of your Sun. Very quick-witted, curious, and communicative with a Gem Merc. Relaxed, present, and sensible in Taurus. Or intuitive, empathic, and feeling in Cancer.

Beyond this, we have another layer to explore with the energy of a Gemini Sun. The chart wheel location!

If you have an Aries Rising (or Ascendant) it's possible your Sun lives in the 2nd or 3rd astrological house in your chart (dependent on the time and location of your birth — it's that personal!).

If it's in the 2nd house, your Gemini Sun can express itself through a grounded and natural rhythm. Self-worth, values, and stability can all be very important for a 2nd house Gemini Sun. If in the 3rd house, this is the area that most relates to Gemini energy so it's like an extra oomph of Gemini! Communicative, curious, vocal, and even a friendly neighbor.

So if you don't know your Rising sign already, or where your Gemini Sun exists in your chart wheel, go forth and locate that information, Geminians! The search bar is your ally here.

Here's a taste of your personalized Rising horoscopes (from Aries to Virgo Rising!).

Geminis with a(n):

Aries Rising: This year is all about developing your ability to learn new skills, to listen, and to keep the lines of communication open (more so than others will experience). You are most likely experiencing an amazing revolution of self, self-worth, self-love, self-care, and experiencing new realizations, breakthroughs, and liberation with what you find truly valuable in your life — spiritually, personally, and financially. During this Mercury retrograde, practice mindfulness in your speech and don't zip through the news without a 2nd glance. Continue to build up the friendships you feel a deep commitment to and explore what communities you feel most vibe with you. Release old perspectives and beliefs and feel freedom in having a fresh mind!

Taurus Rising: The revival you're having this year is with your very being! Your presence, persona, passions, and energy you embody. As well as a deep appraisal of your current goals in life. Are you reaching new heights in your career and truly getting down to business to put your grandiose visions into concrete practice? New opportunities can find you in the public sphere throughout this year, Geminis. Be open to receive them and let those visions soar. Call in your better and brighter tomorrow to begin 'today'. Now is also the time to let go of any fixated habits and re-emerge into your usual grounding and steadiness. Continue to explore who you are and release any past relationship beliefs to feel even more freedom in connection with others.

Gemini Rising: As one who exudes Gemini energy with both Sun and Rising in the same sign, you may have found that in recent years, there may have been some neglect with your sense of self, independence, and active nature. We're going to focus less on relationships this year, and more on YOU and your spirituality. This is a time to find yourself once again. Channel your experiences through your writings, a podcast, or a new project. Designate a journal to record your dreams when you wake up. Read philosophy, new teachings, and various perspectives from your own. If you're able, commit to learning something outside of your comfort zone — a different spiritual practice, a new language, or even travelling outside of your hometown.

Cancer Rising: You are probably feeling a spark of energy this month with Mars in the same sign as your Cancer Rising, Geminis! Now is the time to embrace your hopes and dreams of the future and let them manifest in your day-to-day reality. If you're having trouble seeing what's on the other side, or where you're headed on your path, breathe deeply and let go of the need to know at this time. This is so much easier said than done, but this period is about trusting deeply in the motions of the universe — knowing that you will be alright, all will unfold, and even better, you will thrive and flourish. In the meantime, focus on breaking through past barriers when it comes to opening up within an intimate setting. Be vulnerable, dive deeply, and commit to uncovering those deeper meanings in life as you continue to transform.

Leo Rising: You may be experiencing some major changes within your chosen career. New insights, brilliant ideas, and a readiness for innovation. Don't let these thoughts idle, and really formulate that brilliance into a plan! This year you may also be experiencing the desire for more seriousness and commitment in a relationship. If in a serious union, it can be a time where you take greater steps forward with one another. However, this is a time of appraisal. If you find yourself feeling restricted, or no longer interested in the connection, this can be a time of breaking free from these constraints. Be kind, gentle, and patient with the process if so. After any door closes, you'll find a plethora of windows to peek through with new relationship potentials that can stick like glue! Now is the time for expansion and to feel like your horizons are being broadened within your relationships!

Virgo Rising: Career development along your path is the name of the game this year for you, Geminis! As well as getting very serious about your daily routine, your health, day-to-day reality, and the services you provide out into the world — whether this is through your craft, your voice, your ideas — anything that can be of help to others in brightening their lives. Reach the greatest of heights, know you can do it all, release any old emotions that are ready to flow up and out, and may all of your happiest and most fabulous dreams manifest into reality.

xx JAM